Chapter 15
JOEL
“So…you know each other then?” I sit back and cross my arms as I watch a display of affection, reminding me of my Gran’s soap operas.
“Yeah, but fifteen years ago, she was Helena Bianchi.” Twister spits the name out as it burned all the way up from his vocal cords.
Wait, that name tickles a memory, and I tap my knuckles on her desk as I remember why.
“You’re that sixteen-year-old girl who went missing from the old neighborhood. Shit, didn’t your dad die in prison, accused of killing you?” I glance between them as the strange and rather intimate staring contest continues.
“He did. Who do you think sold me?” Twister loses all composure and kicks the chair he was sitting in, and then flings the door open and storms out.
“He’s changed.” The small smile on her lips tells me she’s reminiscing, but that ain’t what I came down here for.
She’ll need to catch up with Twister on her own time.
“Listen, lady, I’m glad you’re still breathing, and you got your revenge, but can we concentrate on the problem at hand?
I’ve got a shop with at least a quarter of a million dollars worth of damage, and that’s if I’m lucky.
You’re telling me it’s your stepson that’s to blame.
I’m guessing you have proof or at least information where I can get it.
” I point to her seat to get her back on track.
She reluctantly returns to her desk and nods.
“I have surveillance camera footage of both attackers. He’s at both sites, and he left me this.” She passes me a folder, and when I open it, I curse.
“He isn’t after me. He wants to destroy the people I love. I need you to help me protect Enzo.” She taps the photo of Twister in bed, asleep.
The one with the words He’s next written over his neck in red ink.
“This sounds like a family matter. Why is he involving my club? You’re well off. He cannot want for money.” Her smile turns coy.
“Trouble with buying your bride off a sex trafficking site is prenups aren’t common.
He got nothing when his father died, and since he tried to kill me at least twice while his father was alive, I didn’t feel inclined to fund his lavish lifestyle.
Needless to say, he’s holding a grudge.” Oh well, that’s just fucking fabulous.
I stand and shake my head in disbelief.
“I suppose not, but how and why is any of this our problem?” She sighs and looks at me like I’m dense.
“Look at that photo closely. Look at his chest.” Weird request, but I pick up the photo of Twister and squint, wishing I could hide my fucking glasses.
“Here,” I glance up and see her handing me a magnifying glass.
“Thanks,” I clear my throat as I use it to examine a photo of my vice president like a fucking perverted creeper.
And then I see it, right over his fucking heart.
HELENA.
“Fuck,” I set them both down and then run my hands through my hair.
“He painted a mark over his heart, and if we don’t protect him, a sniper will take that shot.” I glare at her.
“This is your fault.” All I get is one quick nod.
No argument, no explanation or remorse, just a pair of sad doe eyes that look like they’ve seen way too much horror for someone so delicate looking.
“I’d protect him with my life. Any of the brothers would. You’re the wildcard in this scenario. How do I know I can trust you?” She stands and closes the door that Twister left open.
“I already died for him, and that’s all you need to know.”
I drive my ass down to Baltimore so over Philly for the day that I’m even happy to see Haven’s devil dog.
“Don’t you knock me down, you fucking brute. Sit Diesel.” I put my lock-picking set away and frown when I notice she’s not home.
“You need to go out?” I look at the Doberman who’s whining at the door.
“Fine, we’ll get some dinner before your mommy comes home.” I grab his leash and write her a quick note that I leave on the table so she doesn’t panic or worse, try to cut my balls off when I get back.
I got a feeling she’d feed them to Diesel if she did.
One mile around the block and a Chinese food take-out order later, we’re back at her apartment, but this time her Harley is parked right next to mine. I glance up her stairs to see her standing in the doorway with her cut on, eyes wild, and a frown that would freeze any normal man.
ME though? My dick gets hard at the sight of her in all that leather.
“You broke in and stole my dog?” I grin at how livid she is.
“Give me a key, and I won’t have to go to such extreme measures. Besides, this was a great bonding time for Diesel and me.” I rub his head and unclip his leash.
He takes off and runs up the stairs to Haven.
“Traitor,” she says as he ignores her for his water bowl.
I climb the steps and shake the bag of food at her.
“Honey, I’m home.” I smile as I see her start to melt.
“There better be pork lo mein and dumplings in that bag or I’m feeding you to the dog.” I chuckle and nod.
“Extra egg rolls, too.” I close the door behind me.
“Fine, you can stay. But no key.” I set the bag down and pull out my secret weapon.
“Not even for a piece of Stock’s cake?” I place the piece I brought with me from Philly on the table, and she squeaks in delight.
“Oh, you do love me.” She reaches for it, but I pull it back.
“Can I have a key now?” Her eyes narrow.
“What else you got?” She crosses her arms and sets her face to stone.
Oh, so we’re playing hardball.
FINE.
I pull out the spare one I made for her and push it across the table. Her eyebrow rises, and then her hand makes a ‘keep it coming’ motion. I roll my eyes and place the cake back down. She taps her finger on her bottom lip and starts to pace back and forth in thought.
“Seriously?” I cross my arms when she shhh’s me.
“Hush, I’m thinking.” I take my cut and shirt off, then take off my boots.
“What are you doing?” I shrug.
“The key and cake aren’t enough. Figured I’d throw myself into the mix. I’m going to fuck you while you eat that cake, then I’m stealing your keys to make a copy, ‘cause no one is keeping me away from my ol’ lady. Not even her.” I reach for her, and she takes off running.
“Run all you want, Haven. I will catch you.”